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Thomas Shin, MD, PhD, Advances Surgical Care and Education Through Artificial Intelligence Research

February 4, 2025 by daf4a@virginia.edu

Thomas Shin, MD, PhD

Thomas Shin, MD, PhD

Thomas Shin, MD, PhD, a surgeon-scientist specializing in bariatric and minimally invasive general surgery, is pioneering research that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance surgical education and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Shin leads a research lab at UVA focusing on artificial intelligence, particularly its applications in surgical practice and education. One of Dr. Shin’s key projects examines the clinical relevance of objective performance indicators (OPIs) in robotic surgery. Capturing data during traditional open surgery is not feasible. However, robotic systems allow detailed tracking of metrics such as movement velocity, force, and duration. The data can even reveal how often a surgeon moves the camera or adjusts their position at the console. Dr. Shin’s research asks a critical question: How do these metrics influence surgical outcomes?

At his previous institution, Dr. Shin published work in the British Journal of Surgery demonstrating that specific OPIs—such as head-in console time, camera control, and master clutch usage—correlate with patient outcomes, and machine learning models can be used to predict complications at discharge and postprocedural follow ups.

resident and physician operating simultaneously using the new Da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system.

Resident and physician operating simultaneously using the new Da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system.

At UVA, Dr. Shin continues this work with residents Andrew Hawkins, MD, Emily Jordan, MD, and Emily Rabinovich, MD, in the “Metric and Automated Evaluation in Surgical Training and Robotic Outcomes (MAESTRO)” project. This initiative utilizes a dual-console Da Vinci 5 robotic system, which enables attending surgeons and trainees to collaborate directly during operations, providing active learning opportunities for trainees. UVA is one of only a few institutions in the world equipped with this advanced system, which allows real-time data capture of OPIs during surgery. By focusing on general surgery procedures with high trainee involvement, the project aims to link OPI data to clinical outcomes, offering novel insights into how metrics can assess skill acquisition and impact patient care.

Dr. Shin is also a member of UVA’s Center for Advancement of Medical Analytics, an interdisciplinary team of clinician investigators fostering collaboration across the university. In partnership with Arun Krishnaraj, MD, MPH, a professor in the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Dr. Shin is exploring how AI can quantify changes in body tissues after bariatric surgery and/or the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs (e.g., Ozempic). Current health assessments often rely on body mass index (BMI), a measure of a person’s weight relative to their height, but this is an inadequate measure of metabolic health. For instance, while a BMI >35 qualifies a patient for bariatric surgery, individuals with the same BMI can exhibit vastly different health profiles depending on factors like sex, race, and muscle mass. Women, for example, have higher rates of hypertension and diabetes and Caucasians exhibit higher incidences of metabolic diseases compared to other groups at comparable BMIs. Muscle mass can also distort BMI reliability, as professional athletes may be classified as obese despite being in peak physical condition.

Dr. Shin’s work has drawn from numerous studies highlighting the correlation between visceral fat and metabolic health (Shah et al., 2014; Kim et al., 2011; Mongraw-Chaffin et al., 2021). These studies show that visceral fat is strongly linked to metabolic syndrome, but the lack of a simple, cost-effective method for measuring visceral fat remains a challenge. By integrating CT imaging and AI algorithms, the team hopes to analyze the changes in visceral fat and lean muscle that occur after bariatric surgery. This innovative approach, which is low-cost and low-radiation, could revolutionize how metabolic health is assessed, helping to identify better candidates for bariatric surgery, and ultimately improving surgical outcomes.

Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA) Global Conference in Rome, Italy

Clinical Robotic Surgery Association Global Conference in Rome, Italy.

Dr. Shin recently presented some of his findings at the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA) Global Conference in Rome, Italy. His talk, titled “Objective Performance Indicators as Predictors of Operative Complications and Complexity,” highlights the international recognition his work has received and its potential to transform surgical education and outcomes at UVA and beyond.

Dr. Shin noted that this research is made possible by UVA’s unique infrastructure. As one of only a few hospitals worldwide equipped with the Da Vinci 5 robotic system, UVA provides the advanced tools necessary for capturing this data. In addition, the institution’s Center for the Advancement of Medical Analytics and the School of Data Science foster a collaborative environment ideal for this type of work. Through the integration of cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary collaboration, their work is transforming patient care while redefining the way surgery is taught and practiced. Their efforts are already making a significant impact, with even greater potential to shape the future of surgical excellence.

Dr. Shin completed his undergraduate education in Economics and Japanese at Dartmouth College 2008. He then earned his MD and PhD in Molecular and Translational Medicine from Boston University in 2018. Following that, he completed his General Surgery Residency at the Cleveland Clinic in 2023 and his Advanced Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2024.

Filed Under: Research